SPIDER-MAN TO WED MODEL

By MICHAEL GROSS

Published: June 2, 1987

Friday night at Shea Stadium, Mary Jane Watson - an actress, model and computer businesswoman - will be married to the Amazing Spider-Man, a superhero also known to comic-book cognoscenti as Peter Parker, a freelance photographer for the mythical Daily Bugle in Manhattan. Stan Lee, publisher of Marvel Comics and creator of Spider-Man, will officiate.

The mock ceremony, to promote a special wedding issue of the Amazing Spider-Man comic book, which goes on sale next Tuesday, will take place at home plate in front of more than 45,000 fans just before the New York Mets play the Pittsburgh Pirates.

All this is something of a fashion event. Ms. Watson's wedding gown was designed by the late Willi Smith. The form-fitting white lace, satin and tulle gown was the designer's last project. Ms. Watson's wedding ring will feature a black widow spider setting.

Mr. Smith - whose image appears several times in the special comic book - also designed the groom's black tail coat, which is buttoned with the masks of Comedy and Tragedy. Spider-Man reportedly gained superpowers as the result of a bite by a radioactive spider.

The couple, played by models, will be attended by other models portraying the Incredible Hulk, Captain America, Ice-Man, Fire-Star, Green Goblin and Dr. Doom.

At the final fitting of her gown, Ms. Watson (actually Tara Shannon, a model) said the wedding had to be held in Shea Stadium to accommodate all her previous beaus. This might explain Spider-Man's recent behavior. ''He's been pacing the ceiling for weeks,'' she said.